Money troubles look set to be the theme of 2009 for both high street chains and struggling families.

Money troubles look set to be the theme of 2009 for both high street chains and struggling families. In a special report, reporter DAN COOMBS examines the stores which have fallen by the wayside, and looks at the help which is available to residents and businesses.

EMPTY retail units are becoming a common sight in towns across the country, and Uxbridge is no different, with a number of stores suffering financial difficulties.

Discount bookshop The Works, in The Mall Pavilions, closed on Friday after its parent company was found to have debts of up to £80million.

Greeting cards company Cardfair, also in The Mall Pavilions, closed earlier this month after they went into administration and were taken over by competitors Card Factory, which led the the closure of 210 stores nationwide.

Clothing outlet USC in The Chimes is said to be on the verge of closing its store after administrators PKF said they had received no interest in the company.

The Officer's Club in The Mall Pavilions is also set to close, which was confirmed by shopping centre manager John Palmer.

An employee who asked not to be named said: "We are just hanging on day-by-day, one week at a time.

"Other branches nearby have closed so it is only a matter of time until we do."

Clothing store AD Clothing, in The Mall Pavilions, is also considering shutting up shop, but the owner confirmed they are trying to reach an agreement with Pavilions management to help them stay open as long as possible.

Andrich Jewellers in The Mall Pavilions is closing after 25 years in Uxbridge, as owner Andres Castro, 72, moves into semi-retirement.

He said: "Financially we are fine, but I just could not continue running two stores; my other one,